Bicycle Mechanics - rear derailleur screw too tight + stripped

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thegunner
10-03-09, 06:27 PM
So I recently bought this RD... overall, tremendous condition <300 miles on it... but I was trying to clean the pulleys since there's a bit of crap in the actual spindle area. Problem is, the screw is both crazy tight, and also partially stripped at the surface.

Any advice here? and in a worst case scenario, could a LBS service the entire derailleur for me?

Thanks!

operator
10-03-09, 07:56 PM
You don't need to remove that pulley. There's nothing you can clean in there that will make it better, and the deralleur is brand new so I don't understand why you want to buy yourself into a problem.

That bolt head looks like it's rounded out, or about to be rounded out. If a brand new hex keys doesn't work i'd let that go until you actually need to replace it. At which point you'd drill it out.
thegunner
10-03-09, 08:37 PM
well i saw clumps of hair in there, so i was hoping to clean it out... i'll just leave it for now thanks!

just wondering, if i were to need to drill it out, how would that work?

LesterOfPuppets
10-03-09, 08:41 PM
well i saw clumps of hair in there, so i was hoping to clean it out..

A compass point, bamboo skewer or fork tine should help you pick the hair out.


if i were to need to drill it out, how would that work?

Select a drill bit that's the size of the bolt.
Drill through the head 'til it's lost its integrity.
Swing the front of the derailleur cage away
Remove pulley.
Grasp bolt remainder with pliers and unscrew from derailleur cage.
operator
10-03-09, 08:46 PM
well i saw clumps of hair in there, so i was hoping to clean it out... i'll just leave it for now thanks!

just wondering, if i were to need to drill it out, how would that work?

There is another method you can try before resorting to drilling. Basically remove the top pulley and bolt, stick a hex key in the slightly stripped lower one, and rotate the entire cage off, instead of rotating the bolt. This *usually* works unless the bolt is completely stripped out. You don't have to drill anything and it's quick.